State

Ohio among top 10 worst states for teen drivers

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

August 30, 2023 10:49 AM

Eating or drinking while driving increases the chances of getting in a car accident by 80%, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. Pexels

Did you know motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among the Americans between the ages of 16 and 19?

Across the country, this age group also has the highest risk of crashes.

Ohio among top 10 dangerous states for teen drivers

According to WalletHub, Ohio made the top ten worst states for teen drivers.

Analysts compared the number of teen driver fatalities in each state, as well as how many teen drivers completed education courses.

Ohio ranked among some of the worst states for teen drivers.

In 2018, the Ohio Traffic Safety Office studied teen traffic safety with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Data from this study showed “18-and 19-year-old untrained but licensed drivers had a higher crash rate than 16-and 17-year-old licensed drivers.”

Read the full Stacker report here and visit the Ohio Traffic Safety Office.

Not everyone has access to driver’s education courses

Several Ohio agencies are working to change this and prevent teenage and young adult drivers from being in traffic accidents.

Solving the problem starts with education, according to Kimberly Schwind, assistant director and training programs administrator of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office.

In 2018, 186,484 people applied for driver’s licenses at the Ohio BMV. Only 47% of applicants were under the age of 18.

According to Schwind, that means only those 47% finished driver training.

“Once you turn 18 you’re not required to take driver training, and you’re also not experiencing any of the GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing) protections,” Schwind said. “And so we know that those drivers that are licensed after taking driver training are in a much better position.”

Traffic safety data shows licensed teen drivers with driver training have a lower crash risk than licensed drivers without driver training.

The state and school districts are now working to help teens access driver’s education classes despite the cost.

“First of all, [teens] can’t get in. Second of all, it’s too expensive,” Schwind said. “But earlier this year, the Ohio Traffic Safety Office launched a Drive to Succeed Scholarship Program.”

What is the Drive to Succeed Scholarship program?

The Ohio Traffic Safety Office launched the Drive to Succeed Scholarship program.

“Teen driver training courses can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 or more, which can be a huge barrier for some families,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “By increasing accessibility to this important training for teenage drivers, we can better ensure their safety, the safety of their passengers and the safety of others on the road.”

The state provides students the opportunity to take beneficial safety classes with no financial burden on families.

“Last spring we awarded 25 of the grants to different entities throughout the state,” said Schwind. “We know the need is really high because we had 72 grant applications and we only had the funding to award 25.”

The program has been implemented at Akron Public Schools for eligible students.